Beneath the endless sapphire of the Aegean and the Ionian Seas lies a cloak of history and a tapestry of myth. Each step on the sun-kissed shores whispers the tales of gods and heroes entwined with nature’s sublime beauty. But where do you begin to unravel such an adventure? In Greece, the isles are your gateway, and we’re bringing you an exclusive guide to discover 27 of the most enchanting Greek islands this summer.
Whether you yearn to frolic on soft, golden sands, explore ancient ruins, or revel in vibrant island culture, Greece has an archipelago waiting to captivate your heart. Welcome to your odyssey, where the waters are as clear as the skies, and the air is filled with the scent of jasmine and myrtle. The only question left is: when can we set sail?
Unravelling the Mosaic of Greece’s Archipelago
The Greek islands are an extensive necklace of over 6,000 gems sprinkled across the eastern Mediterranean. From the cosmopolitan glamour of Mykonos to the raw, off-the-beaten-track charm of Ikaria, each island offers a unique experience. Under the Hellenic sun, we’ll whisk you away to islands with cerulean bays, windswept hills, and azure-domed churches.
This mosaic of culture and landscape isn’t just about relaxation; it’s an invitation to rediscover joy and soul-stirring escape. The islands reflect the essence of Greek hospitality – filoxenia, where strangers are friends, and time is measured in ‘opa’s and ‘kefi’, the joy of life.
The Essential 27: A Guide to Each Island
- Crete – The Titan among Islands
Crete is more than an island – it’s an empire. The land of the Minoans exudes its proud history at every turn. From the enigmatic palace of Knossos to the Samaria Gorge, Crete’s grandeur is unparalleled. Immerse yourself in the heady mix of music, cuisine, and landscapes that shift from rugged mountains to palm-fringed beaches.
Top experience: Hike the trail of the White Mountains to be crowned with breathtaking vistas of the Libyan Sea.
2. Zakynthos – The Incandescent Emerald
Zakynthos, or Zante, is an isle of contradictions where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on pristine beaches shadowed by white cliffs. The island’s Venetian past is etched in the crumbling fortresses that hold the whisper of the Mediterranean wind.
Top experience: Glide through the ethereal waters of the Blue Caves and witness the Shipwreck Beach from a bird’s eye view.
3. Santorini – The Jewel of the Cyclades
Santorini is where postcards come to life. Its iconic caldera, whitewashed villages, and sapphire crown have made it a mecca for romantics. But beyond the honeymoon hue lies a volcanic landscape that stirs the senses.
Top experience: Relish a sunset from Oia and taste the island’s history in a glass of Assyrtiko wine.
4. Mykonos – The Party Goddess
Mykonos keeps alive the spirit of the 1960s when the island became a beacon for the bohemian jet set. The opulent nights and the golden beaches continue to allure today’s cosmopolitans.
Top experience: Dance under the stars at the open-air Cavo Paradiso club and cool off in the iridescent waters after dawn.
5. Rhodes – The Island of the Knights
Rhodes is a testament to the fortitude of its medieval knights. The Old Town is a living museum, but the island’s diversity truly impresses. From the buzzing streets of Rhodes Town to the tranquillity of Lindos, there’s something for every soul.
Top experience: Step back at the Palace of the Grand Master and indulge in the intoxicating fragrances of the Valley of the Butterflies.
6. Corfu – The Lush Jewel of the Ionian
Corfu’s lush greenery sets it apart from its sun-bleached peers. A tapestry of olive groves, cypresses, and wildflowers decorate this island of Venetian architecture.
Top experience: Trek to the twin peaks of The Pantokrator for panoramic views that stretch from Albania to the mainland.
7. Cephalonia – The Island of Legends
Cephalonia hardly needs to make promises; it’s already been immortalised in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The island’s beaches are world-beaters, the nightlife is endless, and the local cuisine is robust in flavour.
Top experience: Encounter the mystical light of the Melissani Cave and venture to the stunning Myrtos Beach.
8. Naxos – The All-Rounder
Naxos is the athlete among the islands – muscular, with a heart of gold. Its fertile fields hide the Portara, the iconic marble gate, while its coast has endless beaches and ancient ruins.
Top experience: Summit Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades, and bask in the majesty of Apollo’s sanctuary.
9. Paros – The Romantic Island
Paros is where cobblestone alleys lead to hidden chapels and secret coves waiting to be discovered. The island’s villages thrum with artistic life and the scent of the sea is carried by the wind.
Top experience: Watch the kite surfers paint the sky in Pounda and savour freshly caught fish at a seaside taverna in Naoussa.
10. Amorgos – The Hideaway of the Gods
Amorgos is where solitude speaks volumes. This island has a magnetism that pulls you into its paths and whitewashed alleys. In the north, the isle offers one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, while the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa clings to a sheer cliff face.
Top experience: Journey to the Agia Anna, a remote chapel exemplifying peace, and rest at the edge of the world on the Agios Pavlos Beach.
11. Ithaca – The Homeland of Odysseus
Ithaca’s namesake hero is a fitting testimony to the island’s bold spirit. A place where ancient paths lead to amphitheatre-like harbours, Ithaca sprinkles a bit of Homeric wonder in every vista.
Top experience: Trace the footsteps of Odysseus at the Cave of Nymphs and anchor at the bay of Vathy.
12. Samos – The Island of the Samian Wine
Samos boasts a heritage in myth – the birthplace of the goddess Hera and philosopher Pythagoras. Today, it’s a trip back to antiquity, where ruins and vineyards sprawl across the landscape.
Top experience: Sip the sweet Samian wine in Karlovasi, then seek the shade of the Tunnel of Eupalinus in Pythagoreio.
13. Tinos – The Spiritual Heart
Tinos is synonymous with religious fervour and the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Yet the island is also rich in marble, which forms the basis of its unique architecture.
Top experience: Join the pilgrims on a journey to Evangelistria for a meditative walk or be awed by the granite mountains before descending into hidden bays and whitewashed villages.
14. Skiathos – The Siren’s Voice
Skiathos whispers a seductive promise as soon as you touch its shores. An island of pomegranates and poppies, feluccas and Filoxenia, Skiathos tempers its nightlife with pinewoods and crystal waters.
Top experience: Stroll the Papadiamantis House Museum in Skiathos Town and refresh your senses in Lalaria Bay.
15. Syros – The Lady of the Cyclades
Syros is a bastion of artistic splendour and austere grandeur, with neoclassical buildings that adorn its port. A harmonious mix of influences gives Syros a unique, cosmopolitan allure.
Top experience: Catch a performance at the Apollo Theatre in Ermoupoli and walk the marble streets while the melodies of the Aegean follow you around the island.
16. Andros – The Gentleman Island
Andros is rich in water, both metaphorically and literally. Springs feed a lush landscape that disguises the relative proximity to the arid Cycladic islands.
Top experience: Follow the banks of the Achla River into a hidden ravine and indulge in a Kairios craft beer.
17. Milos – The Venus of the Sea
Milos is not shy – it flaunts its riches for all to see. Here is where the famed Venus de Milo was discovered and where lunar landscapes give way to some of the most sublime beaches in Greece.
Top experience: Mingle with the fishermen at Plaka and then discover the obsidian beaches of Sarakiniko, where the rocks shine like diamonds against the moon.
18. Kea – The Mountain of the Winds
Kea is an island of motion close enough to Athens yet a world away. It draws the Meltemi wind and windsurfers alike. Its hill paths are punctuated with the remains of ancient cities, while its coves offer protection from the elements.
Top experience: Visit the lion guarding Chora and bask in the azure skies on Spathi, one of the island’s best beaches.
19. Folegandros – The Enigmatic Isle
Folegandros retains an air of secrecy, with terraces that tumble to the sea and a Chora steadfast against the passage of time. This ‘forgotten’ island is, in reality, an unforgettable experience.
Top experience: Witness the sun hesitantly bid goodbye to Cycladic Sleeps at Punto Beach and ascend to the Panagia church under the starlit sky.
20. Anafi – The Island of the Sun
Anafi is where Apollo’s chariot sighs to rest. It’s a paradise for those searching for seclusion, where the sky and sea converge to create an overwhelming sense of tranquillity.
Top experience: Observe the sunrise from the Kalamos Monastery and seek silence on the beaches of the hidden isle of Anafi.
21. Karpathos – The Keeper of Traditions
Karpathos proudly preserves the riches of its past – a dialect, a way of life, and a heart that beats to the rhythm of traditional music. The isle is as diverse as its people, with winds that carve the waves for surfers and hikers alike.
Top experience: Learn about the island’s history at the Folklore Museum in Olympos and set sail for the tiny Saria isle for an utterly virgin experience.
22. Patmos – The Divine Revelation
Patmos is where St. John the Divine had his vision and transcribed the Book of Revelation. But the island’s divine nature extends beyond religious significance, including stunning landscapes and the charm of its port, Skala.
Top experience: Reflect at the Cave of the Apocalypse, and then relax at Lambi, one of the island’s quietest beaches.
23. Chios – The Glyphic Isle
Chios is a mastic-scented land that revels in tradition. Medieval villages and castles add to the island’s allure, while monasteries are tucked amid the greenery.
Top experience: Explore the fragrant mastic fields and wander the stone streets of Mesta, one of the island’s mastic villages.
24. Lipsi – The Pearl of the Aegean
You might need a map to find Lipsi, but the island’s serenity will steal your heart once discovered. Off the radar of many, Lipsi offers an authentic, slow-paced Greek island experience.
Top experience: Breathe in the tranquillity at Katsadia Beach, and if you’re lucky, meet the local monk seals.
25. Halki – The Perfect Symmetry
Halki embodies Greek simplicity and charm – with its traditional architecture, a touch of Byzantine glory, and a port that invites you to sit and watch the world go by.
Top experience: Discover the ghost village of Chorio and allow the captivating vistas of the Aegean to mesmerise you.
26. Kastellorizo – Echoes in Emerald
Kastellorizo, otherwise known as Megisti, has barely changed since the days when the English Patient cast its gaze upon its shores. Colourful houses and an azure lagoon make it seem like a lost world.
Top experience: Wade through time in the Byzantine Castle of the Knights while the tranquillity of St. George’s Bay whispers antiquity.
27. Symi – The Festival of Life
Symi rises from the sea like the vision of a painter. Its neoclassical mansions and Venetian charm hark back to its shipbuilding past, a history that’s proudly preserved.
Top experience: Wander the secret passageways of Ano Symi and then take a boat to the secluded beaches of Nanou and Marathon.
Preparing for Your Island Exploration
Travelling through Greece’s islands is a dream realised, yet to savour the adventure fully, preparation is key. Here are some insider tips for planning the perfect island-hopping escapade.
Timing Is Everything
The high season sees a rise in prices and crowds. Aim to visit in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn when the weather is still balmy and the islands are more tranquil. July and August are especially hot, and many locals take their holidays then, meaning you might miss out on some authentic experiences.
Maps and Routes
One of the joys of island hopping is spontaneity, but having a rough itinerary can be helpful. Research ferry routes and times, and decide whether you need to book in advance. Maps will guide you through the labyrinthine alleys, and modern technology can be an island hopper’s best friend.
Light Packing Essentials
No Greek island adventure requires an entire closet. Light, breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes for walking, and a swimsuit are generally all you need. A good camera will capture memories, and a reusable water bottle keeps you hydrated. Sunscreen is essential, as the sun on the Mediterranean can be unforgiving.
Learn a Few Phrases
While many islanders speak English, a few Greek phrases can open doors and hearts. Opa! is a versatile tool in your linguistic toolkit, but a kalimera (good morning) or efxaristo (thank you) will go a long way.
Respect Local Culture
Greeks are famously hospitable; the islands are a living testament to this. Respect local customs, dress modestly when appropriate, and appreciate the slow pace of life. Island time is accurate, and it’s best enjoyed when you’re in step with it.
Support Sustainability
The allure of the islands also means that they’re more vulnerable to the effects of tourism. Be mindful of waste and water use, and support local businesses. Responsible travel ensures the islands retain their magic for generations.
A Tale of 27 Summers
Island hopping through Greece is a story of unfolding impressions. It’s the dawn of Odysseus’ tale, the laughter of ancient voices, and the Aegean’s endless horizon. It’s an odyssey of a lifetime, where 27 islands hold the promise of 27 different summers within one span.
From Crete to Symi, the spirit of adventure awaits. Are you ready to weave your narrative into the fabric of this sunlit archipelago? The ferry horns beckon, the waves shift in the twilight, and there’s an island waiting just for you. Start planning your Greek island adventure today. Your legendary summer is on the horizon.
